Pablo Garcia is used to being in the spotlight and facing questions. The most common of which usually comes from his mum.
“She always asks me: ‘Pablo, don’t you get nervous?’” he told FIFA ahead of Spain’s FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™ quarter-final against Colombia. “I always tell her that I perform much better under pressure; I thrive on the responsibility and weight on my shoulders. Taking risks and carrying responsibility is something I relish and it makes me stronger.”
It’s that kind of attitude and mindset that sets him apart; he is a big-game player. Crowned as Real Betis’ record goalscorer at youth level, he is now plying his trade for the first team and is tipped as one of La Liga’s brightest emerging talents.
He chatted to FIFA about emerging Spanish wingers, dealing with pressure, mixing magic with mettle and more.
Pablo Garcia: Yes, it’s true that there are plenty of lads with guts and outstanding ability, as you rightly said. Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez and Xabi Alonso are technically and tactically out of this world, and were the best in the world in their positions. But as you said, there are now many emerging young talents in the senior squad, like Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, several other great wingers, as well as my team-mate Jesus Rodriguez. I think we’re moving away from the style of that World Cup-winning generation, which relied on incisive, intricate give-and-go play, and are now adding a touch of flair and unpredictability down the flanks. Let’s just hope that combining courage with wing-based attacks pays off for us.
Yes, everyone in the squad pulls their weight. We’re extremely solid at the back, and the midfield are getting better and better every day, understanding each other more with every game. And up top, we’ve got plenty of firepower down the wings. We’ve got a great team. We’re complete and well-rounded in every department, and I think we’ve got a great chance of going all the way in this tournament.
That’s right. I always try to stand out a bit, be involved as much as I can, get at my man, and conjure up chances for my team-mates to help the team win matches, because that’s what we’re all here for at the end of the day. Every player takes to the pitch with one thing in mind: to win. To be honest, that’s all I’m focused on. I just want to help the team and do my bit to get us over the line.
Yes, it’s true that my personality and playing style mean I often take more risks and carry a lot of responsibility, but it’s something I relish, thrive on, and that ultimately brings out the best in me. Carrying that responsibility when it matters most is what makes me a better player.
Ever since I was a little boy, I’ve always loved playing football and the thrill of scoring. There are many players and people who will think differently, but for me it’s the most amazing part of football. Ultimately, finding the back of the net is what wins matches and decides whether you come away with a win, a defeat, or a draw. My approach to the game has always been about being in the right place to score goals. I’m not sure whether it’s instinct or a bit of an obsession, but everything I do on the pitch revolves around scoring goals.
I think every footballer must have that fighting spirit and put their heart and soul into every game. At the end of the day, that’s what the fans, the coach, and many other people notice and appreciate. The drive and determination to keep going, keep fighting, and never give up. I also think it’s incredibly important for footballers to be ambitious. I reckon it’s one of my biggest traits as a footballer.
I think I handle it quite well. It’s not always easy, especially with all the pressure from social media nowadays. When things go awry or results don’t go your way, we often get slated on social media. But I always try to take on board everyone’s opinions on social media, and I always strive to give everything on the pitch. If I ever have a bad day at the office, I want people to know that I left everything out there and gave it my all.
